1988 Chevrolet Celebrity CL 2.5 from North America

Summary:

The Celebrity, all-time misnomer

Faults:

The brakes have always been a problem, the front discs wear unevenly causing pulsation/vibration when braking even after replacement of all components. Maybe the dealership would have been able to supply new parts?

Replaced the alternator at about 100k miles in 2002 during a long freeway drive in the summer heat.

The electronic ignition control module failed after the car was parked for a couple weeks; it was strange because the car started and ran fine, but then stalled and wouldn't restart. This was the most costly repair - the replacement control module cost $250.

General Comments:

This has been a great first car, and I will probably hold on to it until something serious goes wrong. The annoyances about this vehicle are the non-reclining front bench seats, (why a car left the factory without adjustable seats makes no sense), and the brakes, mentioned before.

The 2.5l engine and 3-speed auto transmission have always been well-maintained and have in return been reliable. The engine burns almost no oil at 135k and the transmission still shifts smoothly and performs as well as when I bought the car. The car has no fluid leaks, all power equipment and options work fine.

Fuel consumption is OK for a car its size: 30mpg consistently, down to a minimum of 24 for city driving during the Minnesota winters.

General Comments:

My previous car was a 1999 Mazda 626. "VERY UNRELIABLE" I brought my Celebrity as a result of an auto accident with the MAZDA. All in all the Celebrity was cheaper when it needed repairs and I've had it for four years and I will keep it going for as long as it will go.